Distance measuring apparatus



United States Patent [72] Inventor William Reid Smith-Vaniz Primary Examiner-Rodney D. Bennett, Jr.

Darien, Connecticut Assistant Exam iner-Jseph G. Baxter [2l] Appl. No. 608,443 Att0rneyEdward R. Hyde, Jr. [22] Filed Jan. 10,1967 Patented Nov. 24, 1970 I [73] Asslgnee 't g cfrporanon ABSTRACT: A distance measuring apparatus comprises a orwa k laser light source arranged for generating a light beam having a corpora o cw or simultaneously occurring components at two or more differing frequencies. Portions of the light beam are projected at a [54] DISTANCE MEASURING APPARATUS remotely positioned target reflective surface and at a locally 11 Claims6 Drawing Figs positioned reference reflectIve surface. The distance measurmg apparatus lS arranged for combining beams reflected from [52] U.S. Cl 356/4; these Surfaces and f generating a fi ld which varies in 343/14 trast in accordance with the displacement of the reference [51] Int. Cl G010 3/08 fl i surface f a reference point in the apparatus. The Field ofSearch 356/5,4; laser fight source further includes means for altering a reso 343/14 nant cavity length thereof for varying f where f is the difference in frequency between the component frequencies. A [56] References Cited knowledge of the frequency differentialfand a corresponding UNITED STATES PATENTS distance of the reference surface from the reference point pro- 2,966,824 1/1961 Granquist 356/5 vides sufficient data for the solution of simultaneous equations 3,424,531 1/1969 Bender et al 356/4 for indicating the distance ofa remote target.

COUNTE R v04 TMEIZER f5? g I 1 30 14 34 H i P s, r r i p p 26 V 44 7/7 LASER 6'5 5% 46' RETRfl-Rfl-L'CTflR REI'RO- REFLECI'0R OSCILLA 70R fl 3 E z Patented Nov. 24, 197@ Sheet L TIA {NW m ()R Mi flfiam R. 5mm Mm 5 BY a N N. W J\ m I R m H1 N m M I I] qmmmu E 30 .%W Q y I l r .IY: m IA A Q A i J p a w\ v 3 MN g NQ w% .w% L ww ww N%\\l $fiw t x; A W wmfibeu E AIiisi Q I Patented Nov. 24, 1970 Sheet CON TRAS T PA Tf/ 0IFFRENC INVhNTOR h Mar am z '3 t m R .m M m 4 W PLASMA GAIN jff FREQUENCY Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,472

Sheet 5 of 3 Pd A V H7 TUB KEY,

DISTANCE MEASURING APPARATUS The present invention relates to apparatus for measuring the distance of a remotely positioned object. The invention relates more specifically to an improved form of apparatus particularly adapted for use in measuring distances over intermediate and relatively long intervals.

The need arises in various activities such as in the surveying arts for measuring distances over intervals such as several hundred feet with a relatively high degree of accuracy. This accuracy is desirably on the order of one one-hundredth of a foot. In known surveying methods, distances of this magnitude are generally tape measured. The accuracy of tape measurements is limited, however, by several factors such as the straightness of the path chosen between a reference point and the object whose distance is to be measured, the constancy of tension exerted on the measuring tape, and various errors arising from the use of intermediate reference points when the distance to be measured exceeds the length of the tape. In addition, physical tapes cannot be employed over certain types of terrain without requiring the clearing of obstacles or the interruption of processes.

Electromagnetic measuring means have been utilized to circumvent several of these problems. However, the accuracy of measurements obtainable with this apparatus is limited by the resolution of the equipment. This resolution, to a first order, is equal to c/ZAf where c is the velocity of light and Af is the bandwidth of the apparatus. Since the velocity of light is a physical constant, measurement accuracy is primarily determined by the bandwidth of the apparatus.

A first order resolution with apparatus of this type for a typical bandwidth of 30 me. is approximately 16 feet. This first order resolution can be increased by measurement of the return to a fraction of a cycle but this measurement itself is subject to inaccuracies. In an exemplary form of electromagnetic' distance measuring apparatus, a beam of light which is projected at a target whose distance is to be measured is amplitude modulated at an RF rate. This modulation is accomplished by electro-optical means operating responsive to an electrical signal provided by an oscillator. The light beam is reflected by the target and interpolation is accomplished by electrically comparing the phase of the AM component ofthe returning beam with the phase of the local RF signal. These apparatus, then, are primarily useful for measuring the distance of objects over a relatively long distance where the fixed error encountered would be tolerable.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus adapted for measuring the distance of a remotely located object over both relatively long and intermediate distances with a relatively high degree of accuracy.

Another object of the invention is theprovision of asurveying apparatus adapted for measuring distances on the order of 300 feet with a high degree of accuracy while eliminating the prior requirementfor intermediate measuring stations, the interruption of processes, and the clearing of obstacles.

In accordance with the present invention, a distance measuring apparatus includes a laser light source arranged for generating a light beam and for projecting a firstportion of the light beam at a remotely located reflective target surface and for projecting a second portion of the light beam at a locally positioned reference reflective surface. The light source is adapted for generating a light beam having two relatively widely spaced frequency componentsf and f for a particular resonant cavity length of the laser, the separation between f and f being approximately C/ZL where L is the spacing between the cavity mirrors. Adjustable means, including the reference reflective surface, are provided for combining the beams, which are reflected from the target and reference surfaces, in a manner for generating a light field having a,

brightness which varies in intensity in accordance with a displacement d,, of the reference reflective surface from a reference point in the apparatus. Means are also provided for measuring the distance d, of the reference reflective surface from the reference point. As either reflector is moved, alternations of constructive and destructive interference o'ccur. one

cycle of light-and-dark for each half-wavelength of light displacement.

Each of the reflected beams of light include the frequency f and f and variations in contrast in the combined beams occur in accordance with the difference in path length traveled by the beams. The maxima and minima of intensity due to the individual frequencies, having slightly different wavelengths, sometimes coincide to provide high contrast and sometimes oppose, giving low contrast. Maximum contrast, referred to hereinafter as a maxima, occurs at a zero path length differences and at integral multiples of c/2Af where c is the velocity of light and Af=f f,. Minimum contrast, referred to hereinafter as a minima, occurs intermediate the maximas of intensity. When the amplitudes of the light at the frequency f,

q and f are equal, the reference reflective surface can be moved a distance sufficient for causing the changes in intensity due to f, to be exactly countered by the changes due to f causing a sharp decrease in contrast.

A distance D to the target is then given by:

Awhere, N is the number of minimas occurring in a wavefront between a beam splitter, which forms a reference point in the apparatus, and the target, and d,, is the distance of the reference reflective surface to the reference point. The laser resonant cavity length is altered and measurements of d, are made for each known corresponding value of Af. Sufficient data is therefore provided for a simultaneous solution for D of a set of equations like (I) with different values of d,, and Af. The distance D is therefore determinable. In an alternative arrangement, means are provided for varying the light source output frequency through the range of frequency Af and for electrically counting the number of minimas, N, generated during this sweep.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent with reference to the following specifications and drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a distance measuring apparatus constructed in accordance with features of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating widely spaced frequencies f, and f generated simultaneously for a particular resonant cavity length by a laser light source included in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement for varying the resonant cavity length of the laser light source of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the laser light source in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of light intensity of the combined reflected beams versus linear path difference traveled by beams in the distance measuring apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of a distance measuring apparatus constructed in accordance with features of this invention.

In FIG. 1, a distance measuring apparatus is shown to include a laser light source 10 which is arranged for generating a light beam 12 and for projecting portions of the beam at a target reflective surface 14 and a locally positioned reference reflective surface 16. The beam 12 is divided by beam splitting means 18 and 20 which are positioned in the path of the generated beam. Each of the beam splitters includes a half-silvered surface 22 and 24 respectively and is adapted for transmitting and reflecting portions of an incident beam. A component 26 of the beam 12 which is transmitted by the beam splitting means 18 impinges on the surface 24 of the beam splitter 20 and is divided into atransmitted component 30 and a reflected component 32. .These latter components are projected at and impinge upon the reflective surfaces 14 and 16 respectively.

The reflective surfaces 14 and 16 are formed by conventional retroreflectors 34 and 36, each of which comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces arranged for reflecting an incident beam along a parallel path. Retroreflector 34 is positioned at a target object whose distance D from a reference point P on the surface 24 is to be measured. The target is indicated generally as the surface 37. Rctr'oreflector 36 is mounted on a carriage 38 which canbe adjustably positioned on'a track 40 by a screw 41. Means comprising an indicator 42 and a scale 43 provide, an indication of the distance d of the reflective surface 36-from the point P. The beams'30 and 32 are reflected by these retroreflectors and are combined at the surface 24 of the beam splitter 20. These reflected beams bear reference numerals '44 and 46 respectively The light field formed by the combination of these reflected'beams falls on a photocell 48 and electrical variations corresponding'to the light field intensity are thereby generated. These electrical variations are amplified by the amplifier stage 50 and are coupled to a voltmeter 52 for providing a visual indication of relative field intensity as the carriage 38 is adjusted on its track.,

The laser light source l cornprises a conventional gaseous laser having a cavity formed by a partially transmissive surface 60 and one of theplurality of reflective surfaces illustrated in FIG. 1 as the reference numerals 62, 64 and 66. As indicated in greater detail hereinafter, the surfaces 62, 64 and 66 are selectively positioned for varying the cavity length of the laser light source. The surface 60 is mechanically coupled to a con ventional pusher-68 for providing fine adjustment of the cavity length. FIG. 2 illustrates the frequency spectrum of the laser light source for a particular cavity length. This condition exists when the cavity length is adjusted to an odd multiple of M4 at the line center frequency, where A is the Wavelength ofthe line center frequency. It can be seen that two distinct output i'rcqucucics,f, and f are provided for each particular cavity length of the laser. The use of alternate reflective surfaces will provide different cavity lengths and a laserlight output having other distinct frequencies.

The combinationof the beams 44 and 46 at the surface 24 results in an interference pattern characterized by variations in light field intensity. Because the reflected beams being combined each include the frequency componentsf, andf the in tensity variations of the combined light field corresponding to variations in the distance of the reference retroreflective surface I6 from the reference point P occur as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the ordinate-represents theintensity of the light field at the surface 24 while the abcissa is expressed in terms of the path difference traversed by the propagated beams 30 and 32. The individual intensity cycles are not shown to scale. The amplitude of the envelope of the intensity variations is a measure of contrast. The difference in frequency betweenf andf as illustrated in FIG. 2 is for a 6,328 gaseous laser andis on the order of 1,000 mc. Accordingly, the resolution obtainable with this arrangement, to a first order is approximately 6 inches and interpolation within this can be accordingly made by adjustment of the screw 41 to detect the minima 70 of the waveform shown in FIG. 5. This minima is extremely sharp if the amplitudes off and f are exactly equal, a condition which can be achieved by a fine adjustment of the cavity length through pusher 68.

It is desirable to employ photoelectric means such as the I photocell 48 (FIG. I) for'providing an electrical output indication of the maxima 72 (FIG. and the minima 70, and the voltmeter 52 to provide a visual indication of their occurrences. Contrast is measured by comparing maxima and minima of intensity. The photocell generates an ac. signal proportional to contrast. In addition, means are provided for vibrating the reflective surface 16. These means may comprise an electromechanical transducer coil 74 which is rigidly attached to the reflective surface 16. In this regard, the retroreflector 36 is mounted on the carriage 38 having conventional resilient material such as styrofoam. Audio oscillator 76 applies electrical energy to the coil for causing the reflective surface to vibrate. I

As indicated hereinbefore. the desired quantity to be measured is D as given by equation (1) above. The unknowns in addition to D are N, the number of minimas ofintensity occurring over the interval D and the quantity d representing the reference path length at which the minima is obtained.

In operation, the laser. is arranged to include a one of the reflective surfaces 6 2; 64,66 for providing a resonant cavity in cooperation with the surface 60. By accurately fabricating this resonant cavity in a known manner, the frequencies f and f are approximately predetermined. However. in practice, the anomalous dispersion of the plasma affects the frequency difference and for this reason a counter 78 is provided for indicatingAf. The beam splitting means 18 (FIG. vl) reflects a portion 80 of the beam 12. Combined photodetection means 82 are positioned in the path of the reflected beam 80 and the component frequenciesf -and f, ofthe beam 80 heterodyne to generate Af. Although the frequenciesf -andf are in the light spectrum, Af is on the order of about 1,000 me. and will generatea detectable output. Amplifying means 84 are pro- ;vided for amplifying and coupling the frequency Af to the counter 78. Thus, an accurate indication of the frequency difference between the frequcnciesf andf is provided. By alternating the reflectivesurface- 62.64 and 66 so as to vary the cavity length .and by noting the quantity d required for establishing a minima of intensity 70 in the light field at surface 24, a system ofsimultaneous equations can be established and the quantity D detcrminedThus, a distance measuring apparatus having relatively high degrce'of accuracy over intermediate and long ranges is provided.

FIGS.'3 and 4 illustrate a typical arrangement for varying the resonant cavity length of the laser It). In fig. 4, a tubular housing 86 of the laser It) isshown supported with respect to a turret 88, which 'is rotatably mounted and which includes reflective surfaces 62 and 64. For clarity, the two surfaces 62. and 64 are shown in FIG. 4 whereas FIG. 3 illustrates the additional; reflective surface 66 supported by the turret 88. By rotating the turret 88, a one of the plurality of reflective surfaces will be positioned rearwardly of the laser as viewed in FIG. 1, and, in conjunction with the partially transmissive surface60, defines a particular resonant cavity length.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. This arrangement eliminates the requirement for successive measurement of d,, as described with respect to the apparatus of FIG. 1. Elements of FIG. 6 performing similar functions illustrated in FIG. I bear the same reference numerals. It can be seen from FIG. 6 that the plurality of reflective surfaces 62, 64 and 66 of FIG. 1 are replaced by a single surface 90 which can be axially displaced by a conventional rigidly attached pusher mechanism 92. The pusher mechanism is well known and is electrically excited by voltages derived from a sweep circuit 94. In addition, an electronic counter 96 is coupled to the photocell 48 for counting maximas ofintcnsity, as the laser 10 is swept by the sweep circuit and pusher through the range of freque'nciesf, and f The position of the retroreflector 36 from the point P is adjusted for minimum contrast as illustrated by the minima 70 in FIG. 5 and as indicatcd by the voltmeter 52. The frequency deviation, Afas indicatcd by the counter 96 is noted along with the dimension 1 The reference retrorcllcctor 36 is now normal to a position corresponding to a contrast maxima 72. This accordingly removes the term l.C/2.2Af from the expression of equation (I) for distance. The pusher 92 is then excited by the sweep circuit 94 and causes'the laser to sweep through the range f, andf The number of. maximas 72 occurring during this sweep is detected by the photocell 48 and is indicated by the counter 96. N, which here represents the number of maximas, is read directly from the counter 96 and the distance D can be calculated' by insertion of-the values N, d,,, and Af, as determined during the measurement, in equation (I). The apparatus of FIG. 6 is therefore advantageous in that it eliminates the requirement of repetitive measurements as recited with respect to FIG. 1. By continuing the pusher excursion further for a total number of orders M, the number of counts expected can be increased to MN, helping to resolve any uncertainties as to the exact value ofthe integer N. I

A distance measuring apparatus has been described em ploying a laser light source providing an output beam including components at two differing frequencies. It is at times advantageous to employ more than two distinct frequencies.

With an arrangement of this type, the frequency separations will beintegral multiples of a particular frequency. The contrast maxima would then be measured rather than the contrast minima. v

A distance measuring apparatus has thus been described which advantageously provides relatively accurate indications of range over intermediate and relatively long distances.

While I have illustrated and described a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1.. An apparatus for measuring the distance to a remote ob ject having a target reflective surface positioned at the object comprising:

a locally positioned reference reflective surface;

a coherent light source adapted for generating a light beam having simultaneously occurring components of differing frequenciesf andfy,

means for varying the frequenciesf andfl;

means for causing portions of said light beam to impinge upon the target and reference reflective surface and to be reflected thereby; and 1 means including said reference reflective surface for combining the reflected beams in a manner for establishing a light field ofadjustable contrast.

2.. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coherent light source comprises a laser having a cavity length L and said means for varying the frequencies of-said-components comprises means for varying the cavity length;

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said laser light source includes a reflective surface for determining the resonant cavity length and said means for varying said resonant cavity length comprises means for cyclically varying the position of said reflective surface.

4. An apparatus for measuring the distance to a remote ob ject having a target reflective surface positioned at the object. comprising:

a locally positioned reference reflective surface;

a coherent light source adapted for generating alight beam having simultaneously occurring components of differing frequenciesf andf said light source including means for varying a differencein frequency Afbetween the frequenciesf andf means for causing portions of said light beam to impinge upon said target and said reference reflective surface and to be reflected thereby;

meansincluding said reference-reflective surface for com bining the reflected beam in a manner for establishing a light field of adjustable contrast;

means providing a reference point in said apparatus; and

means for measuring adisplacement d, of said reference reflective surface fromsaid reference point.

5. An apparatus for measuring the distance to a remote object. comprising:

a laser lightsource. including a resonant cavity, adapted for generating a light beam having simultaneously occurring frequency components of frcquencyf, and f which differ in frequency by an amount d f;

means for varying said resonant cavity length for providing two or more cavity lengths at which the corresponding Af differs;

a target reflective surface-positioned at said object;

a locally positioned reference reflective surface;

partially transmissive beam splitting means including a reflective surface adapted for partially transmitting and reflecting said light beam and arranged for projecting portions of said light beam at said target and reference reflective surfaces;

means providing a reference point for said apparatus;

means adjustably mounting said reference reflective surface for varyin the position thereoffrom said reference point; said beam sp itttrlg. target, and said reference reflective surfaces respectively arranged for causing the incident beams which are projected at said reference and reflective surfaces to be reflected and to combine at said beam splitting surface; and

means for measuring a distance (1,, of said reference reflective surface from said'rcference point.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein said means for varying said cavity length comprises means for establishing two or more substantially fixed resonant cavity lengths.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said resonant cavity is formed by a first reflective surface positioned axially adjacent one end of a laser element envelope and a plurality of reflective surfaces adjustahly positioned near an opposite end of said envelope and adapted to be rotated to an axial position at the end of said envelope.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 including means for electronically measuring and indicating the frequency difference Af.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 including photoelectric means positioned with respect to said beam splitting reflective sur- ,face and an electric indicating means coupled to said photoelectric means for indicating the contrast of the light field at said surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 including means for vibrating said reference reflective surface.

11. An apparatus for measuring the distance to a remote object having a target reflective surface positioned at the object. comprising:

a locally positioned reference reflective surface;

a coherent light source adapted for generating a light beam having simultaneously occurring components of differing frequenciesf f andj};

means for varying the frequenciesf f and fly,

means for causing portions of said light beam to impinge upon the target and reference reflective surface and to be reflected thereby; and

meansincluding said reference reflective surface for cornbining the reflected beams in a manner for establishing a light beam of adjustable contrast. 

